Original article published by Dirt.com
Formerly occupied by model-turned-actress Katherine MacDonald — known as the “American Beauty” of silent films — and also a short-term outpost of “I Love Lucy” star Vivian Vance, this house in L.A.’s historic Hancock Park neighborhood was originally built exactly a century ago, but has been chicly spruced up through the years by its current owner. Last sold in 2001 for $1.9 million to David Cooley — longtime proprietor of The Abbey Food & Bar, one of the best-known establishments in West Hollywood — the English Country-style manor has returned to the market once again, this time asking nearly $7.7 million.
Tucked away on almost a half-acre parcel secured by gates and high hedges, the stately brick structure was designed by architect Henry F. Withey, and has four bedrooms and seven baths in just over 5,500 square feet of two-level living space boasting period details paired with modern amenities. Perhaps the most unique aspect of the property? The separate guesthouse, which offers a bedroom and bath on its top floor, plus a snazzy wet bar-equipped speakeasy on the lower-level that spills out to an al fresco living room warmed by a fireplace.
In the main house, a spacious hardwood-clad entry foyer displays a curving wrought-iron staircase that heads upstairs to a posh five-piece master retreat, which rests beneath a vaulted wood-beam ceiling, and contains a fireplace, as well as a luxe bath outfitted with dual vanities, a clawfoot soaking tub and glass-encased rainfall shower.
Other highlights include a fireside living room, which connects to a sunroom that flows out to a courtyard that’s ideal for entertaining guests at a lengthy dining table. Back inside, a formal dining room sits next to the gourmet kitchen, which comes complete with custom cabinetry, an oversized island, top-tier stainless appliances and a breakfast nook.
As for the rest of the park-like grounds, they’re laced with gardens, and host a backyard spotlighted by a saltwater pool and spa flanked by a sprawling sundeck, along with a kitchen and barbecue setup; and out front, the semi-circular driveway passes through a grand porte-cochere before emptying out at a two-car garage.
In addition to his for-sale Hancock Park home, Cooley also owns a midcentury ranch-style house directly overlooking Malibu’s Las Tunas Beach that he bought from “Cruella” and “La La Land” star Emma Stone last summer for $4.4 million.
The listing is held by Rochelle Maize of Nourmand & Associates-BH and Alexis Valentin Ramos of Sotheby’s International Realty.
Check out more photos and details at TheRossmoreHouse.com
